Body Rash Symptoms 

Body rash or skin rash is usually an inflammation on the skin. Eruptions on the skin of the back are called Back Rash. There is a change in color and texture on the affected area. Skin or body rash could be the result of irritation, disease or an allergic reaction. Allergies could be to food, plants, chemicals, animals, insects or other environmental factors. This kind of skin rash could affect the entire body or be area specific. Though not all body rashes are contagious, some could be. A rash that develops on the body is usually indicative that there is some problem in the body. The rash can appear in different forms. Some rashes may appear as a collection of red bumps, while other rashes may develop as a large patch of red skin. Rashes may cause itching, burning, stinging and pain. Some rashes may also not result in any symptoms. Rashes may appear in varying shapes and sizes. The causes of rashes may also differ. Any area of the body may get affected with a rash. The most commonly affected areas are the face, back and arms. A rash can also develop in the genital region, scalp and chest. In some cases, a rash may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and headache. Also there could be the development of red rash all over the body of an infant and this may or may not be itchy. Whatever it may be, the condition needs to be checked by the doctor.

Symptoms for Body Rash

Red Itchy or Non-Itchy Bumps

Little, red itchy or non-itchy bumps on the skin could be one of the indications of getting a body rash. This would then be followed by a stinging or burning sensation on the affected area. There are different types of rashes that can affect adults, children and babies alike, on the arms, legs, face or torso.

Although body rash symptoms may not be easy to tell apart, it is important to identify body rash causes properly for any body rash treatment to be effective. Allergy skin rashes are the most common type of rash, caused by allergic reactions to certain triggers. This is a common type of body rash in children. Different individuals may be allergic to different substances. Some allergies are food related and occur due to the consumption of certain types of food. Other allergies may be caused by exposure to pet hair, certain plants or chemicals. Poison ivy is a well known cause of itchy body rashes in adults.

Allergic reactions to such exposure generally cause the appearance of a red rash all over body parts that have come in contact with the allergen and can be extremely itchy, which is particularly problematic in children. The chemicals contained in many household detergents may also be responsible for rashes.

The allergy may affect the entire body, but become manifested only in the form of a rash. Some people are also affected by pollution, cosmetics, fragrances and hair products. Exposure to all of these substances can trigger off a body rash. A rash may also develop due to exposure to certain types of rashes. A rare cause of rashes is latex allergy. This can pose a serious problem to those who need to undergo surgical procedures.

Exposure to the latex gloves worn by doctors and surgeons can lead to rashes even on the open body parts and wounds. Infections can also lead to rashes.

Common infections such as yeast infections or viral infections such as chicken pox cause rashes along with other symptoms. Sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to body rashes. In some cases, a rash may develop due to infestation by a parasite such as scabies. Such rashes are extremely discomforting as they lead to a significant itching. Touching the affected areas may transfer the infection to other areas of the body or even cause re-infection. Diagnosis of rashes may be done after reviewing the individual’s medical history and performing certain skin tests. Patients with compromised immunity like diabetics and HIV patients are particularly vulnerable to infections that can cause both lower and upper body rashes with severe itchy symptoms.

Causes for Body Rash

Reaction to Cosmetics, Perfumes, Soaps

Skin rash could occur as a result of a variety of reasons. Some of the common ones are:



• Allergy to dyes and chemicals in clothing.



• Chemicals present in elastic, latex and rubber products.



• As a reaction to cosmetics, perfumes, soaps and detergents.



Some of the causes for back rash are:-



• Heat rash



• Dermatitis



• Measles



• Dry skin



• Ichthyosis

Body Rash Causes

There are some rashes that can prove to be life threatening. These are rare, but when they develop, immediate detection and medical consultation is necessary. Some life threatening ailments that lead to skin rash among other symptoms include pemphigus vulgaris, toxic shock syndrome, staphylococcal scalded skin and stevens-johnson syndrome. These rashes may affect the entire body or only certain parts.

Even the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, urethra and rectal area may be affected. In these serious disorders, the rash may have blisters of various sizes. The blisters are filled with fluid initially, after which they rupture. Squeezing or scratching a blister may aggravate the condition. Such rashes may be caused by severe allergic reactions, infections or immune system disorders.

Another type of condition which leads to a rash-like condition is rosacea. This condition leads to symptoms such as pink or red areas of skin, red bumps, cysts and eye irritation. Rosacea is known to develop in response to factors such as stress, weather changes, sun exposure and consumption of spicy foods.



The treatment available for body rashes depends upon the cause and type of rash. Most cases of body rash may be treated with cortisone creams. Rashes that are infected may require further medical condition. In cases of exposure to poison ivy, the first step should be to wash the area. This will prevent the poisonous oil from the plant from seeping into the skin. Poison ivy can also be treated with garlic oil. Gently massage some garlic oil into the affected area. Another remedy for poison ivy is sweet fern. Add some sweet fern leaves to boiling water and allow them to steep for some time. Strain the solution and apply over the affected skin. Rubbing table salt over the affected area is also known to alleviate itching and discomfort caused by exposure to poison ivy.

Remedies for Body Rash

Oatmeal Bath is Preferred

Applying olive oil to the rash could provide some relief.

Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E oil are also helpful in combating body rash.

Using baking powder on the affected area is another suggestion to deal with body and back rash.

An oatmeal bath is thought to be effective in treating body rash as it relieves inflammation. Pour a cup of uncooked oatmeal into your bathwater and soak in the tub for best results.

Wash the affected area using chamomile tea.

A poultice made from dandelion, yellow dock root and chaparral helps alleviate skin rash.

Another remedy is to soak a cloth in comfrey tea or calcium water.
Calcium Water preparation – Stir in a spoonful of calcium gluconate powder into a cup of water.

Body Rash Remedies

For common types of body rash, different home remedies may be used. Herbal teas are known for their healing properties and can be effectively used as body rash cures. The affected parts of the body may be washed with herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint tea which act as skin rash remedies. Olive oil has certain therapeutic properties which help to promote healing of the skin.

Applying olive oil directly to the affected areas will help to reduce itching and pain. Rubbing aloe vera gel on the rash affected areas will also help to soothe the skin. Another popular remedy for body rash is baking soda. Simply pat some baking soda on the skin for relief from itching and irritation.

An oatmeal bath works excellently in soothing a skin rash. Add one cup of raw oatmeal to warm bathwater and soak in this for some time. This will provide quick relief and also induce healing. A paste made with a couple of garlic cloves, salt, pepper, ten basil leaves and a tablespoon of olive oil is a wonderful remedy for body rash. Apply this mixture over all the affected areas for relief. Rashes often break out when the immune system is weak. Boost immunity by consuming foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits.

Diet for Body Rash

Consume Foods Rich in Vitamin C

The antioxidant properties present in Vitamin C helps in fighting body rash. Consume foods rich in Vitamin C.

Avoid foods causing allergic skin rash on the body or back.

Suggestions for Body Rash

Avoid Exposing the Affected Area to Direct Sunlight and Hot Water

Do not scrub your skin when there is a rash breakout.
Avoid using soap, switchover to gentle body cleansers.
Refrain from using cosmetic lotions or other ointments directly over the rash.
Make sure you use warm water for cleansing and not hot water. Take care to pat dry your skin instead of rubbing.
Completely stop usage of any newly tried cosmetic or lotion, reaction to this could be a cause.
Ensure that the affected area is exposed to air as much as possible.
Avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight and hot water.